“Give Me Cookies…

or give me death.”

I started saying phrases like this after our Philly trip. We were at Independence Hall, so of course I had to say “Give me liberty, or give me death!” [in some kind of funny weird accent…?]

me

and on the walk back to our hotel, it turned into “Give me lululemon or give me death!” and other words have taken its place since then. The Pilot hates loves it hahaha.

Today, I really wanted a chocolate chip cookie.

A few things kind of took a nosedive after my allergy attack this morning and needless to say, I’m thankful to start a new day tomorrow.

Since I’m not really in a spot where I could unwind with a glass of red,

making a batch of my vegan Tollhouse imposter cookies sealed the deal.

me

Of course, I had to have a little dough 😉

dough

I didn’t end up baking the entire batch (just 4 cookies) and froze the rest. I foresee a pizzokie party in the near future 😀

For dinner, we grilled the Pilot a pizza 😀

We used this pan, which may not have been the best idea.

pan

Pre-cooked the dough

dough (3)

and added the toppings to cook away and melt.

pizza

It looks pretty, but see the sides? They’re charbroiled. These things happen sometimes 😉 We’re definitely still getting used to our grill.

I had a pizza, too, but mine was cooked a la stove: brown rice tortilla pita (1/3 C brown rice flour, 1/3 C + a little more water)

pita

+ sauce, broccolini, asparagus, goat cheese and red chili flakes

pizza

Good stuff.

We’re gonna call it a night over here- see ya on a bright, shiny, new Friday 🙂

xoxo

Gina

Something to talk about: What’s your most frequented (or maybe not exactly *healthy*) restaurant of choice? I’m going to use your suggestions for the AM reader’s request post: menu navigation and clean eating options at popular restaurants 🙂

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62 Comments

  1. Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn on September 9, 2011 at 1:01 am

    True Life: I am obsessed with wearing that shirt. It is so comfy AND cute. Slash I have been eating cookies nonstop today, it’s kind of a problem. <3

    • Fitnessista on September 9, 2011 at 1:04 am

      mine is already so faded though! i’ve only worn it 3 times :/

  2. Gillbear on September 9, 2011 at 1:05 am

    UHM is that pepperoni and black olives?! If it is, that is my pizza! My favourite restaurant is White Spot but I’ll say Olive Garden or Applebee’s since WS isn’t American ;P

    • Fitnessista on September 9, 2011 at 1:06 am

      yes- the pilot loves pepperoni and olives 🙂

  3. Brittany on September 9, 2011 at 1:07 am

    Pita Jungle, Sauce, and Cornish Pasty Co., all here in Phoenix!

    • Fitnessista on September 9, 2011 at 1:14 am

      love pita jungle! we just got one- the service horrible but the food is pretty good!

  4. Sana on September 9, 2011 at 1:13 am

    Ahhh, the baby bump. I am obsesseddd!

  5. Ali @ urbanfruitbat on September 9, 2011 at 1:17 am

    I love give me cookies or give me death. So funny. You guys always come up with the funniest things. I look forward to your clean eating restaurant guide tips! Sure to be awesome.

    • Fitnessista on September 9, 2011 at 1:18 am

      if funniest = weirdest, then maybe. hahah

  6. Ashley on September 9, 2011 at 1:24 am

    Whaaat!! That is awesome about the brown rice tortilla with only flour + water. Thanks for that one! 🙂 Last night I was craving a cookie SO badly. I have yet to make GF cookies. I want to figure out a really simple recipe. So instead, I made your mug brownie. Did the trick!

  7. China on September 9, 2011 at 1:35 am

    I really love local-to-Atlanta spots like Dakota Blue and the Flying Biscuit. In terms of regular fast-food chains, I love Chili’s, but there aren’t many GF/vegetarian options on the menu. 🙁 I’m usually stuck with a sad salad and a side of black beans.

  8. Rachel @ Healthy Teacher on September 9, 2011 at 1:43 am

    I love a Mediterranean restaurant in town and I go there when I need some “me” time. 😉

  9. Katelyn@ Foodie Goes to School on September 9, 2011 at 1:48 am

    I love MEXICAN FOOD! Obviously local places are the best but when in doubt Qdoba = love!

  10. Laura @ Backstage Balance on September 9, 2011 at 3:01 am

    Mmm pizza. My favorite national chain restaurant is Carrabba’s – I will usually order the grilled salmon with steamed veggies, it’s fantastic!
    Other than that I’d love your suggestions for clean eating at Mexican and Greek restaurants 🙂

  11. Helena on September 9, 2011 at 3:55 am

    I love pizza. My favorite national chain restaurant? I think wagamama, My favorite, is chicken ramen! But since i am from greece and living here has so many options for good food, I love souvlaki too.. 🙂

  12. Rachel on September 9, 2011 at 4:50 am

    I wonder if lining the grill with some tin foil and then putting the metal thing on top of that would get rid of the charbroiled bottom/sides? I’d still eat it anyway though, it’s pizza and pizza is never wrong.

  13. Brittany @ Itty Bits of Balance on September 9, 2011 at 5:14 am

    Haha I’m loving that quote– I just might start using that with my boyfriend, Will to see if adds to my persuasive-factor 😉

    I have a wheat sensitivity so the pizza you made for yourself perked my interest! Did you just combine the flour and water and then cook it on the pan? This might work for me! Thanks, Gina.

    Oh and my most frequented restaurants would probably be something Sushi or Mexican. Moes or Chipotle will always do the trick 😉

  14. Lauren on September 9, 2011 at 6:45 am

    Hmm, I would say Chipotle. Although, I consider that the most “healthy” of all the fast food chains.

  15. Mer @mersworld on September 9, 2011 at 6:56 am

    Hi from Boston (on a rainy morning!). We have so many great food options around, that we try and avoid the chains and go to locally-owned places! I try and head directly to the soup/salad section of the menu at some of the North End Italian restaurants, so I’m not tempted by the huge pasta portions with breaded chicken and dripping with cheese! Sometimes it works… I’d love to hear your tips on restaurants when you are traveling- what are some good healthy tips for ‘on the go’ eating?

  16. Holly on September 9, 2011 at 7:13 am

    This is not this healthiest but I love Qdoba! I get a naked burrito without cheese, sour cream, or guac. I normally eat that if I’m running a long run the next morning and need to carb load 🙂

  17. Hillary on September 9, 2011 at 7:50 am

    Sigh. I do love me some Cheesecake Factory!

  18. Holly @ The Runny Egg on September 9, 2011 at 7:51 am

    We usually go to Chipotle or Outback Steakhouse (which seems to be just like your beloved Longhorn Steakhouse — I think that is the name, I guess I don’t remember since you haven’t eaten there in a while!)

    Ok it is official that I need choc chip cookies today!

  19. Suzanne on September 9, 2011 at 8:25 am

    So, just fyi… Patrick Henry actually said “Give me liberty, or give me death!” at the Virginia Convention at St. John’s Church in Richmond, VA, not Independence Hall. I gotta support me home town 🙂

    • Fitnessista on September 9, 2011 at 12:13 pm

      this proves that history is not, and never was, my forte 😉

  20. Courtney on September 9, 2011 at 8:34 am

    I love PF Changs but so Many of their items are not so healthy. Suggestions please!

  21. Kate on September 9, 2011 at 8:38 am

    I love the idea of making your own tortilla ill have to try that!

  22. Shayla @ The Good Life on September 9, 2011 at 8:38 am

    I looove Nestle Tollhouse cookie recipe!! My mom always made those for me, brings back so many childhood memories 🙂 And love the baby bump pic!

    I love going to Italian restaurants and would love to know a healthy way to navigate through there since the majority of the goodies are carbolicious pizzas and pastas! 🙂

  23. Christine on September 9, 2011 at 8:59 am

    Chipolte and The Outback. The Salmon is amazing! I order my meal with the “light style” option. They give you a ton of steam veggies so I can usually take home half the salmon for another meal.

  24. Terran Leigh on September 9, 2011 at 9:10 am

    Buffalo Wild Wings is by far my beau and my favorite restaurant. We are both big college sports fanatics and we love the atmosphere that Buffalo Wild Wings has when it comes to sports. However it is so tricky to order there and try to be conscious of what I am putting into my body. Boneless wings were my weapon of choice (were being the key word) now I’m trying different things which I think are better (not sure anything is ‘better’ there but less bad for me).

    I’d love to get your input on suggestions for foods there!

    Terran Leigh

  25. April @ Grits and Granola Bars on September 9, 2011 at 9:14 am

    Um. I am crazy over Carrabba’s! Their grilled norwegian salmon is amaaaaaaaaazing

  26. Holly @ Fuse Pilates on September 9, 2011 at 9:15 am

    I love this! Only mine is “Give me chocolate, Or give me death.” or maybe Pilates? need both!

  27. Katie on September 9, 2011 at 9:17 am

    I will come for a party! You look adorable! <3

    Happy weekend to you guys! I miss ya!

  28. Clare @ Fitting It All In on September 9, 2011 at 9:19 am

    Restaurants I go to where I know I can get something at least decently healthy are
    Chipotle
    Panera
    Crazy Bowls and Wraps
    California Pizza Kitchen (amazing salads!!)

  29. Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries on September 9, 2011 at 9:19 am

    My favorite more “popular” restaurants are Texas Roadhouse and Olive Garden!

  30. Taylor @ Crumbs Don't Count on September 9, 2011 at 9:24 am

    Cookie dough is the best!! I almost like it better than the actual cookies…unless of course the cookies are warm and covered in icecream (or warm with a glass of milk!)

  31. Chelsa on September 9, 2011 at 9:32 am

    As for chains go the Cheesecake Factory isn’t bad is we’re out of town. On Labor Day I went shopping until late at night and nothing was open for dinner by the time we got back into town besides the CCF and I was pleasantly surprised that they have a new Skinnlicious menu with lots of great healthier options. The Mexican chicken lettuce wraps were so good even without any sour cream or cheese.

  32. Emily on September 9, 2011 at 9:42 am

    Great idea ontje brown rice pita for a quick gf crust! I try to eat at non-chain restaurants for theist part because the food is usually better and it’s easier to customize for df and gf.

  33. kara on September 9, 2011 at 9:43 am

    who bakes FOUR cookies!?!? you are crazy. it makes me feel bad sometimes, haha. i’d definitely bake the whole batch and then eat four. and then one for breakfast the next morning. maybe two.
    that pizza (the pilot’s) looks fantastic. a little burn is always good. =)

  34. Ruthiey on September 9, 2011 at 9:43 am

    I love reading your blog. I come look at it every morning. <3 Hope your day is wonderful!

  35. April on September 9, 2011 at 9:46 am

    Great post Gina! I absolutley LOVE Mexican food, so that is my weakness, however it isn’t easy to find here in Boston…SO my favorite ‘non-healthy’ restaurant is one where i can get a good Lobster Roll…preferably hot on a buttered brioche roll (at Neptune Oysters). To die for!
    Also, wondered if this happens to you…every time i go out to eat, i just don’t feel ‘right’ after….i am sure it is all the extra sodium and fat that creeps in, but just wanted to mention to see if you ever experience this. Even when i order a fish and veggie:(

  36. AR on September 9, 2011 at 9:50 am

    I need any suggestions you have for eating healthy when out for Mexican… it’s my fave and I always feel so overwhelmed by all the options that I just eat the guts out of tacos and long for chile rellenos or mole. Also, if there ARE things at Chipotle that are healthy, I’d love to know. I thought I was doing myself a favor by opting for that and then one day I looked at the nutrition facts online and almost passed out. I’d also really appreciate any general thoughts for Italian restaurants. Thanks so much! I’m really looking forward to your post 🙂

  37. Julie (A Case of the Runs) on September 9, 2011 at 10:06 am

    I actually frequent Denny’s more than I should. I usually get the Slam with egg whites, English muffin, oatmeal, and sometimes hash browns or pancakes. I figure I could do worse…

  38. Liz @ Southern Charm on September 9, 2011 at 10:40 am

    Any place that serves MEXICAN!!! Ok, sorry I may have gotten a little excited. But I am truly, madly deeply in love with Mexican 🙂

    • Fitnessista on September 9, 2011 at 12:04 pm

      you and me both 🙂

  39. Katy @ HaveYouHurd on September 9, 2011 at 10:45 am

    I put my pizza dough directly on the grill, I just have to grease it with EVOO before I do! Maybe that will help?

    • Kathy on September 10, 2011 at 11:20 am

      My sister makes grilled pizza for her kids at least once every other week or so. She does the same thing – right on the grill, no pan. She brushes the dough with a little olive oil first and then plunks it directly on the grill to cook, takes it off and each of the kids adds their own toppings and back on the grill to warm/melt. It’s a fun family dinner. Best combo we’ve made: fresh home made basil pesto, then a mixture of baby bellas & onions that were carmelized earlier in the day, then goat cheese (chicked optional). Amazing!!

  40. Erica on September 9, 2011 at 10:50 am

    I make grilled pizza all the time and put the dough directly on the grill. I brush oil on one side and place on grill. It can be a little scary transferring the dough to the grill, and might look a little misshapen, but it’s nbs. Grill until brown, brush with oil, flip with tongs and add your toppings. Grill until under side is brown and the cheese is melty. It’s my absolutely favorite way to make pizza.

    • Fitnessista on September 9, 2011 at 12:03 pm

      awesome, thank you!

  41. Krista on September 9, 2011 at 10:58 am

    OK hun, I need deets on that brown rice pizza crust you made. Do you just mix those 2 ingredients and put it in a pan? Or is there more to it? THANKS!!

    • Fitnessista on September 9, 2011 at 11:23 am

      that’s it! super easy 🙂

      • Krista on September 9, 2011 at 2:07 pm

        Awesome….thanks!

  42. Elizabeth @ reads recipes runs on September 9, 2011 at 11:01 am

    I miss grilled pizzas! As a family we used to make pizza dough from scratch (well me or my dad) and then we’d each ge to put on toppings and then we’d grill them! It was so fun. Have you tried getting a baking stone for the grill? I think that’s what my dad did and they were always perfect.

    • Fitnessista on September 9, 2011 at 12:03 pm

      we have a baking stone, but wanted to try out that veggie dish for some reason? haha

  43. mi-an dela cruz on September 9, 2011 at 11:10 am

    i love eating at sweet tomatoes – salad buffet. it sounds healthy, which it is, but since it’s a buffet they do have unlimited soups, salads, bread, muffingoodness, hence it can also be calorie-overload. but i still love going there!

  44. Moni'sMeals on September 9, 2011 at 11:46 am

    awww, you look so cute! Preggars and bakin it up!

    I make pizza all the time and even the way you made your “special” kind for you. SO good!

  45. Clare on September 9, 2011 at 12:15 pm

    I eat out really rarely, probably once a month maximum, so when I do I want to enjoy it and just get whatever I want. I love Wagamama for a chain and authentic Italian restaurants are nearly always good. Having said that pretty much anywhere that has more than one vegetarian option (its not really an option if there is only one…) is good in my book.

    PS You have a gorgeous tan! I am super pale – yay for English summers!

    • Fitnessista on September 9, 2011 at 12:26 pm

      thank you! that’s sweet of you to say because i haven’t been in the sun really at all and was feeling a little cullen 🙂

  46. Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga on September 9, 2011 at 1:48 pm

    The vegan Tollhouse cookies…I love that recipe!

    And the brown rice tortilla pita (1/3 C brown rice flour, 1/3 C + a little more water) = GREAT and easy. Thanks!

    You look adorable standing there at the mixing bowl with your cookie dough!

  47. Alicia F. on September 9, 2011 at 6:47 pm

    That grilled pizza looks fabulous! I’m super bummed that we have no grill yet and probably won’t get one since it’s raining cats and dogs here on the east coast! :-/
    & YAY for cookies!!

  48. Meredith on September 10, 2011 at 8:04 am

    If you pre-bake the pizza crusts in the oven, you can put them right on the grill without another pan… you can even shut the lid of the oven then to melt cheese/toppings/etc.

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